Filling in application to rent property before even viewing it?

A friend is being asked to fill in a (quite invasive in my opinion) application form before she is even allowed to view a property she might like to rent - is this the usual way of doing things in the UK? Is it even legal?

No idea on legality, probably ok as long as they don't charge a fee. We used an agent that tried that on and we eventually told them where to go. Figured if they were being a pain in the ass before we were even moved in then it would only get worse.

Fairly normal for agency to take details of prospective tenants, there is likely to be need for enough info for a credit check and permission to take one. That form seems to go a bit deeper than usual though.

Totally ok, the landlord and agency need to ensure youre legal, and actually a real person, with a job, and the means to pay the rent and deposit, and an esy way to filter out the riff raff, who may not pay.

Also details of previous tennancies, 2 guarantors, copy of driving licence or passport with picture, and previous paid utility bills.